Dam! Dam! Dam! (3)

"You sound like one of those otakus, mate!" Shouichi teased with a light-hearted tone.

"I'm a certified otaku, so I don't care." Shinji replied nonchalantly. A man of his calibre didn't worry about anything. Born into the wealthiest family in town, showered with love and care, blessed with a perfect face and unique silver hair, a nice physique, and the most desired height, Shinji had it all. As if that wasn't enough, he was also incredibly intelligent. "For all I know, Shinji could be the biggest criminal in town, and people would still root for him," Shouichi mused.

"Shouichi-kun… um… How do I look?" Ayane approached, gracefully strutting towards him in her blue two-piece, her soft, pristine skin exposed. Her physique rivalled that of an idol, and she was even taller than the average idol. Beside her was Momo, dressed in a dark blue one-piece swimsuit, the kind often worn during swimming practice. Upon a quick inspection, Shouichi realised that both girls were relatively flat-chested.

"You both look great!" Shouichi complimented them casually. In the background, he noticed two other girls walking toward him and Shinji.

"You two better say something nice!" Himemiya Kazumi, the blonde, scoffed at them with her arms crossed. The elegant gyaru had chosen a sexy black two-piece for the occasion, strutting alongside Shinji's girlfriend, Emi. As expected, Emi's oversized chest in the bikini was impossible to ignore. The silhouette of her figure was accentuated by her white two-piece, though Shouichi wasn't about to appear like a thirsty pervert.

"You guys look beautiful!" "You two look amazing!" The dazzling duo praised, receiving a quick high-five from both girls. Their ample chests bounced as they made the gesture.

"See! We finally got to see the girls in their bikinis, lil bro. It's basically stare-able underwear!" Shinji shouted, shaking Shouichi's shoulder enthusiastically. It seemed his silver-haired friend was fired up from the sight.

"Hahaha, you're way too excited for this, Shinji," Shouichi laughed, pushing him toward his girlfriend before standing awkwardly beside her.

"So, Toru and his lackeys will set up a barbecue. Let's get in the water, guys!" Kazumi called out, her voice loud and assertive as she pointed toward the inn with her thumb. Toru, along with Hinoda and Naggi, was busy hauling items for the barbecue.

"You all need help with that?" Shouichi shouted, but Toru shooed him away. The group returned to work, enjoying themselves as always.

The two guys and four girls ventured into the crystal-clear water of Takaki Lake. The sandy, fine gravel floor felt smooth beneath their feet. The water was a bit cold at first, but their bodies quickly adjusted. Shinji splashed water around, swimming back and forth like a five-year-old. It was a side of him Shouichi had never seen before. Meanwhile, Ayane and Momo stayed in the water, doing nothing. As the most mature in the group, Kazumi pulled a prank on Shouichi, diving behind him and yanking down his shorts. Thankfully, the other girls weren't looking in their direction.

"Hahahahaha! You're too shy, it's nice being young, huh?" Kazumi emerged from the water, teasing him as she saw his flushed face.

"I totally didn't expect that from you, jeez!" Shouichi retorted. "Cap, Toru, please take your girlfriend away!" He silently called out for support.

"You big guy, huh?" Kazumi whispered in his ear, making him even more embarrassed.

"Huh? Did you see it?" Shouichi mumbled.

"No, I was behind you when I pulled them down. Fufufu," She giggled mischievously. "Kazumi doesn't act her age at all!" Shouichi thought.

"Hahaha, I'm relieved," he said, brushing it off and returning to his usual cool composure.

"So which one is sleeping with you tonight?" Kazumi quickly changed the subject, glancing at Momo and Ayane behind her. The two girls waved back amicably, unaware of the conversation happening between the gyaru and the graphite-haired boy.

"What? I'm sleeping alone tonight!" Shouichi replied, his brain finally processing her sly question.

"C'mon! You're no fun at all!" Kazumi teased, her eyes narrowing as if she had figured something out. "I've noticed, you know?"

"What? I haven't done anything!" Shouichi averted his gaze to the distant mountain.

"You haven't, but those two are fighting over you. Maybe you can play dumb and take them both to your room tonight," Kazumi winked at him, swirling her finger.

"That's crazyyy! No way, I haven't recovered from my last breakup," Shouichi reasoned, his cheeks flushed.

"Fufufu, don't say I didn't warn you. Keep your door unlocked, okay?" Kazumi continued to joke, clearly enjoying herself.

"Man, you're not hearing a word I'm saying," Shouichi sighed heavily.